Christmas is just around the corner and if you are shopping for a friend or loved one who uses a wheelchair, we have a few suggestions which may help you in your search.

A tablet computer is an excellent gift for wheelchair user because it functions like a regular computer but it is smaller and more convenient to use on the lap and can be easily stashed into a wheelchair bag. While a tablet may not have all of the functionality of a computer it can do most of the things that a casual user needs. You may want to consider the dexterity of the end user when considering if a tablet would be a good gift choice. Amazon’s Kindle Fire is now available for under $200 and for children, Leapfrog offers the “Leappad Explorer Learning Tablet” for around $100.

Know someone who is constantly fumbling for their iPhone? Several companies, such as Ablenets sell a variety of “mobile device mounting systems” which can allow the phone to be mounted on the wheelchair or on some part of the body like the leg.

If you know a wheelchair user who is out of work, consider giving them “Work At Home Now” by Christine Durst and Michael Haaren, a popular book which helps people to find home based jobs and avoid scams.

If you have to buy for a child you may be interested in a toy which features a wheelchair user. The Kaplan Early Learning Company sells a series of puzzles called “Kaplan Disability Awareness Puzzles” which features kids using wheelchairs. A few years back, Mattel released its “Becky Doll”, basically a Barbie in a wheelchair which can still be purchased on Ebay or Amazon. More recently, Mattel released “an action figure” of Jake Sully, a wheelchair user and the main character from the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar. A company called “Sew Dolling” sells “Sew Able” dolls with all kinds of disabilities, including dolls which come with prosthetics, crutches and wheelchairs.

A useful gadget for wheelchair users is a grabber. These devices allow wheelchair users to pick up dropped objects, take things from shelves and even push elevator buttons that are out of reach. One handy grabber is the Telestick a grabber that folds to 7-8 inches and weighs less than 3 ounces, yet extends to about a yard. It has three different grabbing heads including an adhesive head which renews its stickiness when washed.

Want to buy a movie? Murderball is not only about wheelchair rugby, Murderball is about the passion for life. Nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary in 2005, it won Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival. There is something for everyone to appreciate in this excellent movie.

Author: Dr. Gene Emmer

Dr. Gene Emmer owns a company which manufacturers and distributes innovative wheelchair accessories. These accessories are sold worldwide via dealers as well as direct to wheelchair users from the Wheelchair Website.